Liverpool have signed Spanish youth international forward Luis Alberto, subject to international clearance.

The 20-year-old former Sevilla star can play anywhere across the front line, and is Liverpool’s third major signing of the summer after acquiring Iago Aspas and Kolo Toure.

In the 2012-13 season, he played on loan at Barcelona B where he scored 11 goals in 38 appearances. Alberto has represented Spain at the u-18, u-19 and u-21 levels.

“We are all delighted that Luis has decided to join Liverpool,” said Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

“He has the correct footballing profile and mentality to be a Liverpool player. I look forward to working with him to develop his talent and he joins a group of young exciting players at our club.”

Alberto added: “I feel very excited, I’ve never felt so excited before but I’m very happy. I think I am the happiest man on earth. I have come here to enjoy moments with the supporters – and I know the supporters will help me to never walk alone. I hope that between us all we can make this club one of the greatest in the world, once again.”

While it’s a promising signing by Liverpool, the big question is whether he can make the huge step-up to the Premier League. He may spend most of the season on the fringes of the squad, but he’s still a good signing for the future.

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8 Comments

KyleJune 22, 2013

Liverpool are stocking up on promising youngsters but there’s no guarantee they will come good. It’s a gamble and I don’t see how it helps the club now.

Liverpool have learned their lesson in paying big money for players with high wages as well. If this doesn’t work out they won’t lose as much money. It’s all about finances at the moment at Liverpool.

Liverpool are also trying to sell players like Downing and Reina who make more than 100,000 a week to cut their wage bill. That’s why they bought Mignolet who will make much less than what Reina is making. Reina will be sold as long as they get a decent offer (even less than 10 million) because it will lessen the wage bill. Downing will be next.

I agree that these signings won’t help Liverpool get into the top 4 now but at the moment that’s not really the priority at the club. Also, with all the managerial changes at the top it’s possible for a team in the top 8 to mount a challenge for a top 4 spot. Won’t be easy but it could happen this season.

Anyone who wants to know why Liverpool will remain a midtable team for the foreseeable future just needs to look at what teams like Arsenal and Spurs are doing. Arsenal will most probably sign Higuain while Spurs have just signed Paulinho. Without proven talent it will be difficult to mount a challenge for a top 4.

If any combination of Suarez, Skrtel, or Reina are sold bringing in a highly rated player won’t be an issue. LFC are following the Dortmund model – tighter wage control, youth development, identification of hidden gems, collaborative scouting and purchase decision-making. Unlike Dortmund, the nature of the EPL will necessitate the occasional paying over the odds, but following the model, and more dynamic play (as BR showed bears fruit given time) above will ultimate mean a sustainable model for financial security and success on the pitch.